When the temperature fluctuates a lot during the winter, their are many things to think about such as flooding from melting snow and and damage from ice dams.
Ice Dams
An ice dam is a layer of ice that is built up at the edge of the roof that prevents melting snow from draining off of the roof.
Causes and Formation of Ice Dams:
An ice dam can occur when a cycle of repeated freezing and thawing causes ice to build up on the roof, blocking the path of newly melted snow as it travels toward the gutters.
Snow accumulates on the slanted roof of a house and warmth coming up through the roof melts the snow from underneath. If the snow is thick enough, melt water flows down the roof, beneath the blanket of un-melted snow, until it flows onto the eave and into the gutter, where colder conditions on the overhang cause it to freeze.
Eventually, ice accumulates along the eave and in the gutter, “damming” up the path of the newly melting snow. The next batch of melted snow now cannot drain properly, and water continues to build up and eventually backs up underneath your shingles where it can cause major leaks.
Protect Your Home from melting snow and rain
- Check those sump pumps to make sure they are working properly.
- Shovel snow away from the foundation of your home.
- Clear all ice and debris out of gutters and downspouts.
- Check for ice dams.
Call us immediately if you experience water damage at 309.664.8577 or email us at contact@truecleanrestoration.net.
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